Banner | Vol. 71 Issue 5

ISSUE 5

VOLUME 71

‘Murder on the Orient Express’: CBU puts new spin on classic mystery

BY SARAH MURPHY ASST. A&E EDITOR

The Orient Express chugs through a snowstorm, but it stops just after the clock strikes midnight. A horrific discovery has been made: an American tycoon with eight stab wounds lies dead in his compartment. The strangest part? The compartment door is locked from the inside. The remaining passengers are on edge with a potential killer on the loose and Detective Hercule Poirot must find the murderer before they find their next victim.

“Murder on the Orient Express” hit the Wallace Theatre stage on Feb. 23 and will run weekends through March 3 at the Wallace Theatre.

But, this isn’t a typical telling of the play, as California Baptist University has chosen to adapt this story, based on Agatha Christie’s mystery novel, into a comedic stage production.

To prepare for the role, the actors spent a lot of time analyzing the text in the play. They focused especially on their character to best understand who they are playing.

Abigail Durham, junior theater major, has the role of Mary Debenham in the play, a British governess who is a young and sophisticated

passenger on the train.

“If you walk into the theater right now, we have pages of character development work on the walls,” said Durham. “So taking a look at the text and seeing what the story truly means is something that the whole cast is doing to prepare for putting these characters on stage and bringing them to life.”

Santino Alvarado, sophomore film major, is the lead in the play, Hercule Poirot, the detective responsible for solving the case. A challenging part of preparing for his role was mastering his character’s accent, however, he had a unique way of doing so.

“During auditions and callbacks, I was listening to the Ratatouille song on repeat,” Alvarado stated. “I just needed to hear the French accent.”

Memorizing lines and mastering accents is not the only thing that goes into acting onstage. Actors also have to perfect their movements, how they say certain words and even their facial expressions. One of the many responsibilities of a director is to show the actors how to master these things.

Ethan Park, adjunct professor of the theater division in the Collinsworth School of Performing Arts, is

the director for “Murder on the Orient Express.” A crucial part of a successful show is e ective communication between the director and the cast. Part of this comes as a result of being open-minded and working together as a team, which is an environment Park has tried to create.

“I would make a suggestion and we try it, but then we realize my suggestion doesn’t really work. So I say, ‘OK, what do you want to do?’ And then they try something and it works way better than what I suggested,” Park said. “I’ve really appreciated the exchange between us, that it’s not just me saying ‘You do this,’ but, ‘Let’s figure this out together.’ So I have appreciated them collaborating with me.”

With lengthy four-hour rehearsals every Monday through Friday for weeks, the cast said they started to feel like one family.

“I grow in each show that I direct here as much as the actors do and I always want them to know that as much as I’m their teacher, they’re mine. They have made some truly beautiful work this time, and I’m really proud of them,” Park said.

One of the best aspects of

performing onstage is having your friends and family come to support you. Alvarado has particularly experienced this kindness from fellow CBU students.

“I feel really supported because my friends know that it’s my first role, and so they’re all like ‘You’re gonna kill it. You’re doing so good. I can’t wait to see it.’’ Alvarado said.

After a long week of

production, the lights dim, and the quiet chatter of the audience silences. All of the hard work the cast, crew, and director have put into the play will pay o in the next couple of hours, which are full of suspense and excitement as the mystery unfolds.

“My philosophy is always we do the show for God, then we do the show for the audience, then we do the show for our fellow

actors, and then we do the show for ourselves,” Park said. “So we put ourselves last in that order. We give our gifts back to God and the passion that he’s given us for this art form. In the play, it so many funny moments. There’s some heartfelt, tragic moments. There’s some that make your hair stand on end moments. So my hope is that the audience sits back and lets themselves experience it all.”

Football fans weigh in on historic Chiefs Super Bowl win

BY MICHAEL MARKS SPORTS EDITOR

Super Bowl when the Chiefs beat the 49ers 31-20. This is now the fourth Super Bowl win in the team’s history, with the previous three being in 1970, 2020 and 2023. The road to get here was not easy for either team. The San Francisco 49ers went 12-5 this season, ending up at the top of their division in the National Football Conference (NFC) West. The Chiefs had

an equally hard-fought season, ending with an 11-6 record and also ending up at the top of their respective division as well in the American Football Conference (AFC) West. Many fans and spectators alike expected great things from both teams, with a performance that did not disappoint, particularly in the season leading up to the Super Bowl.

“Mahomes is the kind of quarterback everyone wants. But the Niners this year have a really good team holistically. They have strength at so many positions and Purdy has really risen to the challenge in so many ways,” said John Gill, professor of Christian studies.

Rising to the challenge is an understatement for a player like Brock Purdy, especially for a quarterback whose nickname is Mr. Irrelevent, the nickname given to the player who is picked last in the NFL Draft. Going from the last pick in the 2022 NFL Draft to becoming the starting quarterback for the 49ers in the Super Bowl says everything anyone needs to know about this player’s grit and determination. This attitude is reflected in many fans of the 49ers, who have seen this team and quarterback fight so hard to get to this moment.

“He’s saying ‘I’m here and I deserve to be here,’” said Kaiden Joseph, senior biomedical science major and a native of the Bay area. “It’s definitely the underdog story because Mahomes is favored to win, and also, he’s had the spotlight before, so he is used

to this.”

Even though the Chiefs may have had a little extra star talent to help add to their team hype leading up to the game, the pride that the 49ers fans have in their team cannot be overstated.

“Growing up as a 49er fan, it’s always been a dream to see your team go there,” said Aaron Brown, junior history major. “We got everybody rooting for us and everyone else rooting for Taylor Swift.”

While this underdog story did not have the happy conclusion many 49er fans were looking for, the Chiefs made history by being one of only nine teams in the league to win back-to-back Super Bowls.

The Kansas City Chiefs will be looking to continue making history next season as they chase an elusive third Super Bowl win, something no NFL team has ever been able to do three times in a row. The 49ers hope to maintain what they have built this year as they begin the long road of getting back to the Super Bowl next year for another chance at victory.

Even though they may have lost the Super Bowl, many

49ers fans are still optimistic about the future of the team.

“Patrick Mahomes is one of the best quarterbacks in the league and of the future, but Brock Purdy is the new future for us 49ers fans,” Brown said.

Even though Purdy and Mahomes may have been competing against one another on one of the biggest stages in the nation, they still both keep sight of what is important in life.

Mahomes spoke on his faith and what it means to him in an interview before playing the Eagles in Super Bowl LVII.

“I just thank God for those opportunities and I thank God for letting me be on a stage where I can glorify him,” Mahomes said.

Whether or not you’re a major football fan, the Super Bowl is still a major cultural and social event for many people across the country. It is a reminder of how sports can bring together people from all walks of life, no matter the team or city.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re a Raiders fan or a 49ers fan, everyone is hyped,” Joseph said “It’s going to bring everyone in the Bay Area together.”

Lindsey Stumpf | Banner

Matthew Furness (top left), sophomore theater technical design major, Santino Alvarado, sophomore film major, and

Seth Suguitan, junior theater major, inspect the crime scene featuring Kaleb Bravo, sophomore theater major.

Sydney Holloway | Banner

CBU students watch the San Fransico 49ers vs. Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl at the party hosted by Community Life.

Asst.

Melanin Mosaic elevates Black culture

BY CONNOR RYAN MANAGING EDITOR

CBU’s Black Student Union kicked o Black History Month with their newly titled Melanin Mosaic. Featuring a panel of African American faculty, a live music performance and a giveaway, this event was a healthy mixture of fun and philosophy.

The Melanin Mosaic di ered from previous installments of BSU’s Black History Month event in that it focused on bringing the community together through education.

Kene Thomas, senior psychology major and president of BSU, shared that the primary goal of the Melanin Mosaic was to celebrate Black culture in a way that allows CBU’s diverse student body to appreciate di erent aspects of it.

“Our purpose behind the event was to celebrate and showcase the beauty of Black culture through an immersive and educational event,” Thomas said. “By weaving together various traditions and expressions, we wanted to host an event that honors the vibrancy of Black culture while educating others on the depth and diversity of our heritage. With this in mind, we titled the event Melanin Mosaic because we wanted to collectively showcase di erent pieces of Black culture, including traditional practices like the Black national anthem, food, music and history and how these things contribute to Black culture.”

One of the standout elements of the event was the music. Students were greeted with a well-curated playlist of jazz and instrumentals.

There was also a live performance by RYCE, an artist who is also a student at CBU.

Thomas stated the organization’s desire to “make a point to showcase Black excellence,” which they achieved by allowing RYCE to have a platform and reach the CBU community through his original music.

“Music plays a significant role in Black culture and history,” Thomas said. “It’s something that not only brings people together but has been historically used to tell a story.”

Thomas explained that reciting “Lift Every Voice,” often referred to as the Black National Anthem, was another crucial aspect of the music, as it reflects the roots of African American history.

“We wanted to begin the event with the Black National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice,” to honor Black tradition and as a time of reflection,” Thomas said. “This song was a hymn written in the 1900s and was often sung during Civil Rights demonstrations and events, as it was symbolic of unity and a call for justice.”

The main attraction of the Melanin Mosaic was the panel of African American faculty who shared their experiences of achieving higher education. David Hardy, junior intercultural studies major, shared how their discussion inspired him in his life and

academics.

“My favorite part of the event was getting a closer perspective of the Black community and minority groups like Dr. Horton on the panel. It was really eyeopening, and I hope to be able to be a good listener, friend and learner going forward,” Hardy said.

Thomas stated that the discussion was designed to bring the Black community closer and initiate a dialogue with students from other ethnic groups.

“We felt it was important to address the role of non-Black individuals in allyship and what it looks like to come alongside our community and support peers and colleagues,” Thomas said. “Additionally, our hope was that this panel discussion would spark further conversation and reflection amongst peers and communities across campus about what diversity and e ective allyship should look like in an e ort to build an inclusive environment for all students.”

and educated him on African American culture.

“I thought that the panel was very informative,” Agbayani said. “It was interesting to hear about the panelists’ life experiences, and I liked how they o ered advice for new and returning students who may feel insecure about their race. It was great to see the support they shared for the African American community, and their tight-knit camaraderie allowed for a very welcoming atmosphere.”

“Our purpose behind the event was to celebrate and showcase the beauty of Black culture through an immersive and educational event.

Kene Thomas senior psychology major

Accompanying the panel was an array of food, including various flavors of chicken wings, fried macaroni and cheese bites, and fresh peach cobbler.

Additionally, the event finished with a ra e, where students could win some expensive prizes, such as Sony headphones.

David Hardy shared his appreciation for these elements and acknowledged the passion necessary to develop this unique event.

Marc Agbayani, graduate student in English, stated how this discussion spoke to his experiences and Filipino background. He noted that the panel made him feel validated

“I think the panel was a great part of it, and the intersecting sections of singing and the ra e questions were amazing,” Hardy said. “In my experience, there hasn’t been a club I’ve been aware of where there is an investment in keeping the culture alive in that way. It’s really fascinating to think about.”

Charissa Graves | Banner

Noel Ryce, senior Christian studies major, performs a duet at CBU’s Black Hstory Month gala, with Natalie Chaney, graduate commercial music student.

Martin Henry becomes the first Black college president, taking charge of the Allegheny Institute. Sadie Alexander, Georgiana Simpson and Eva Dykes are the first Black women to earn doctorate degrees.

Charles H. Thompson is the first African American to achieve a Ph.D. in education.

Source: curiosity.lib.harvard.edu

BY CONNOR RYAN

New Valentine’s Day event Love thy Lancer wins over the hearts of the CBU community

BY CONNOR RYAN MANAGING EDITOR

Love thy Lancer, a brand new CBU event, has had its debut after years of development. One of the most di cult challenges that Community Life encounters each year is creating a Valentine’s Day event that caters to all students.

According to Isabella Esquivel, junior early education major and Community Life intern, the team spent over a year working out an event that would attract students that were both single and in a relationship.

“This year, we decided to sketch it in really early to do pretty much a bigger event for Valentine’s Day,” Esquivel said.

“Usually, we do a very passive event where students just come in, grab a treat, maybe grab a gram. My vision for Valentine’s Day was to highlight just the concept of Valentine’s Day and change it a little bit, maybe take away a little bit from just the romantic part of it, but make it more of a community thing.”

Esquivel eventually decided the best course of action was to create a fair-like event with several di erent booths that students could visit and get snacks and candy from.

Part of the magic was the childhood-related snacks

that were available, such as the “dazzling donuts,” which were handmade by caterers on campus.

“They make doughnuts, kind of like Krispy Kreme, but right in front of you. And that was a big hit,” Esquivel said.

One of the largest di culties was how to advertise the event. Part of the solution was getting both men and women on the team to help make sure that the event was catered to all types of people.

“We ended up asking my other coworker Hudson, also an intern, and we wanted to get his insight as a male and how he sees Valentine’s Day. I made sure to preface [by saying], ‘Hey, I would love for couples to come to this event, but I also want to really make sure that this event is marketed as a community thing.’”

The reason why there was di culty in making the event accessible to all students was because of how some single people negatively viewed Valentine’s Day.

“As you get older, this negative connotation starts building if you’re not in a relationship, and it’s totally valid. I really get that,” Esquivel said. “But that was my main goal with this event: to take that away to make it about a positive connotation and make

it make it about community and just put it out there. CBU is a Christian school where we worship Jesus Christ, and we get to experience his unconditional love, we should be able to celebrate a holiday about love.”

Part of the solution to this problem was bringing students back to a simpler time in their lives by simulating the kind of Valentine’s Day Party one would have as a young child.

“Everybody had a Valentine’s Day experience when they were younger in school where they would make grams and get little boxes and bags and gift each other these little candies,” Esquivel said. “And I wanted to remind people of that, especially because when you were in elementary school, it didn’t matter if you were in a relationship or not because you were little. So everybody just thought Valentine’s Day was like a mini Christmas where you got to give each other cute little gifts. And I wanted to remind people of that feeling.”

Natalie Studebaker, senior business administration major, stated that the event achieved that aura of nostalgia and felt as though there was something for everyone to enjoy regardless of their relationship status.

“I believe it was catered to any individual. It was so

fun to go with friends and it never implied only couples or romantic love. It was an event for people to just enjoy and remember the unconditional and unselfish love that God showed to us first,” Studebaker said. She went on to say that her favorite part of the event was making Valentine’s grams for her friends and showing kindness to her peers.

“You can come with anyone you want. You can come alone, you can come with a group of friends, and I wanted, no matter who you were, what kind of relationship you were in, that you would take away a sense of love and a sense of belonging,” Esquivel said.

After hosting the event, Jamie Eriksen, director of Campus Activities, said she believes they achieved their vision with the new event, so much so that they may bring it back when Valentine’s Day rolls around next year.

“For us, seeing all di erent kinds of students come in through this space, and engaging with the di erent activations was so gratifying to us just to see the joy of people,” Eriksen said. “People are just walking up with smiles on their faces, and just so excited to be able to celebrate in a way that builds community.”

NEWS BRIEFS

WRITTEN BY CONNOR RYAN GAS LEAK AT UC RIVERSIDE

An employee at the University of California, Riverside was affected after being exposed to an abnormal amount of natural gas. According to the Daily Bulletin, the worker discovered the buildup of gas on Feb. 23, after opening the door to an unused laboratory. The Riverside Fire Department attributed the incident to a small gas leak and the accumulation of odors. According to the Daily Bulletin, the employee was not hospitalized, and the 60-year-old building will receive a full renovation.

NEWSOM FACES SECOND RECALL

Gov. Gavin Newsom faces another potentail recall after political committee Rescue California put forward a petition on Feb. 26 to take the governor out of office. According to CalMatters, the petition primarily stems from dissatisfaction over Newsom’s funding choices, which allegedly contributed to increased crime and veteran homelessness rates. CalMatters reported that this petition is required to amass 1.3 million signatures from California voters, as opposed to the 1.75 million required during the 2021 recall.

GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN

President Joe Biden held a meeting on Feb. 27 to discuss an impending shutdown. According to NBC News, the meeting, held with the four top congressional leaders, discussed a number of issues, including spending on overseas aid. The departments of Agriculture, Energy, House and Urban Development, Transportation, and Veterans Affairs, are funded through on March 1. NBC News stated that conflict between the Republican and Democratic parties led to delays in approval of spending bills, meaning these departments may cease operations.

MIGRANTS STRANDED AT BUS STOP

Over a hundred migrants found themselves without shelter on Feb. 23 after being dropped off at a bus stop instead of a reception center. According to NBC, the bus dropped them off near an office park in San Diego after learning the reception center had run out of funding. According to NBC, passengers had difficulty communicating with volunteers, causing them to disperse into nearby neighborhoods. Cabs offered the migrants transportation at double the normal cost. Funding for the reception center is currently paused, and aid groups are working to step in.

BY CONNOR RYAN MANAGING EDITOR

It was a race against the clock at Community Life’s new Lancer Land scavenger hunt. Students appeared in droves at the Community Life Lounge on Feb. 24 to participate in the sta ’s mysterious new scavenger hunt event.

Community Life sta revealed the details of the scavenger hunt to the contestants with a short video. The teams had two hours to complete challenges through the Goosechase app and some timed events that would appear periodically throughout the event. An array of opportunities populated the app, each with varying values and di culty. The prizes were nothing to sco at, with a $75 Nike gift card for the first place team and a $25 In-N-Out gift card for second place.

Zech Ziegler, sophomore architecture major and Community Life intern, was surprised students were willing to complete one of the highest point value challenges: to fully submerge themselves in the pools in the Colony Apartment and Point living areas. “We had about 80 come to the event, and I think about half of those people ended up jumping into a pool, which I thought was funny,” Ziegler said.

According to Marco Rodriguez, senior exercise science major, the potential prizes motivated him to do the more extreme challenges.

“The challenge that stood out to me the most was jumping into both Colony and Point pools,” Rodriguez said. “These stood out to me the most because I didn’t think I would jump into the pools for the scavenger hunt. We jumped

into freezing cold water with our normal clothes, which was an awful feeling, but it felt refreshing for the rest of the challenge.”

Many higher point value challenges required teams to collaborate to complete them, including making a human pyramid, racing another team down the Front Lawn, and challenging another team to a dance battle.

Ziegler sought to create an environment where people were having fun instead of being hyper-competitive.

“I call it kingdom competition, which is a di erent type of competition which is not aggressive towards other people, but it’s more or less a type of competition that grows friendships,” Ziegler said.

Camryn Po enberger, senior exercise major and Community Life intern,

shared how happy she was that students worked together and were kind enough to help others complete challenges.

“My favorite aspect of the scavenger hunt was the collaboration within our teams as di erent members of our team contributed to the scavenger hunt in di erent ways,” Rodriguez said. “This

Madison Sardana | Banner

CBU students take photos in front of the sign featuring

John 4:19 at the Valentine’s Day event hosted by Community Life.

FAITH & LIFESTYLE

Nature brings joy and vibrance into students' lives

BY YASNA PETROVA ASST. F&L EDITOR

Plants are part of God's beautiful creation. They can improve students' physical, mental and spiritual health, but the real question is how students can bring them into their dorms and enjoy them.

Dr. Jacob Lanphere, professor of biological science, shared his advice on how students can bring plants into their living space at CBU. Firstly, students should look at the available space they have. Secondly, as the sun is vital for any plant, students should consider how much sunlight there is at the chosen place. They can select a type of house plant from a nursery or Home Depot based on the sunlight. Some plants require more sunlight, some less. Then, choosing a pot is the next step, and you are ready to go.

“Lancer Farms were established for students to have an outdoor lab activity, appreciate God's creation, eat healthy food and create biodiversity on campus."

Dr. Jacob Lanphere, professor of biological science

A plant needs only three things to thrive: water, soil and sunlight.

"Make sure they get enough water and sunlight, and you will be OK," encouraged Lanphere.

Lanphere shared that his

favorite house plant is ficus bengamina, a type of tree with beautiful green leaves.

"Green reduces stress, plants give you oxygen and many plants facilitate vapotranspiration, which creates a more humid environment for you," Lanphere said. They also provide emotional benefits, as taking care of something and watching it grow and go through di erent seasons and cycles is satisfactory.

"Taking care of a plant makes you mindful of God's beautiful creation and can grow your faith as you experience the beauty firsthand," Lanphere

BY OLIVIA COX FAITH AND LIFESTYLE EDITOR

BY YASNA PETROVA

ASST. F&L EDITOR

CBU professors are driven to not only nurture students' intellectual growth but also their spiritual growth. They admit that the Bible is a main source of inspiration for them and they successfully manage to intertwine science with the faith.

Adele Harrison, professor of finance, explained that she teaches students to recognize God's guidance regarding their financial knowledge. She shared some verses that she finds inspiration from, such as Matthew 6, which tells us not to worry as that does no good.

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?

Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?"

(Matthew 6:24-27, NIV).

Harrison emphasized on trusting the Lord when it comes to finances and making the correct decisions on the spot.

Harrison said she believes this can be a useful tool to help a student gain financial literacy, as she was once in a similar situation.

"I feel like the basic human tendencies do not change over time - they just get displayed in di erent ways. The Bible says that there is nothing new under the sun, so we are all just recycling the same issues in slightly di erent ways," Harrison said.

She wants to help her students go through the patterns she had to deal with more easily and see God's hand operating in their lives.

Even across di erent fields of study, others agreed. After the topic of finance, Dr. Jacob Lanphere, professor of biological science, shared his thoughts on how the Bible relates to his field of study, environmental science.

"As a Christian, I see everything through [a] Biblical

shared. Another way to experience the benefits of plants is to visit Lancer Gardens. The garden is near the Colony apartments living area on campus, surrounding the white heritage house. There are more than 20 flowerbeds full of spices, fruits and vegetables. Additionally, trees there produce fruit such as figs, passionfruit and oranges.

"Lancer Farms were established for students to have an outdoor lab activity, appreciate God's creation, eat healthy food and create biodiversity on campus," Lanphere said.

CBU students can learn

more about gardening by checking out books from a library, taking classes during the fall and spring semesters, or joining the Botany Club and the Environmental Science Club on campus. The club organized a Valentine's Day activity, including seeds and love postcards.

Aria Kaiser, sophomore environmental science and president of the Botany Club at CBU, advised her peers, "Some low maintenance plants that I would recommend to busy college students are succulents, cacti, philodendron and snake plants."

She mentioned that her fa-

vorites are pothos, snake plants and monstera, which require little water and no direct sunlight.

Kaiser shared that she is captivated by plants "because they brighten any space, add a pop of color and have so much variety."

Aria encouraged students to visit Lancer Farms and Gardens to pick fruit, vegetables or flowers.

Another plant-lover, Grace Ann Presley, junior environmental science major, said that because plants are a cheap and readily available way for someone to brighten up a dorm or living space, they are great for

ISSUE

any college student. She said that plants bring a calming and relaxed vibe to a room, and they help one become more connected with God's creations.

"Once you see them growing and creating babies, a sense of pride that I haven't been able to find in any other aspect of my life will wash over you," Presley shared.

As Presley mentioned, gardening is a form of stress relief. It is also a way to connect to God's creation. Bringing a plant into your life might give you a spark of love and satisfaction that can brighten your days and space.

Psalm 139 is written by King David of Israel and speaks of God’s intimate knowledge of his prized creation the human race Yahweh, the God of Israel, in his divine sovereignty, omniscience and omnipresence, is with us always and knows us better than we know ourselves Verses 23 and 24 close out the Psalm with a cry out to the LORD King David models a beautiful prayer for his readers, asking God to search the depths of our hearts, pleading with him to rid us of all anxious or wicked thoughts and lead us on the path to everlasting life We learn from the New Testament that Jesus is the way to everlasting life. Choosing to believe, submit and love him above all else is the path to salvation

lense," said Lanphere. "I see God's creation all around us. I see God's desire for us to know him and to take care of his creation while being here on Earth."

As an environmental science professor, Lanphere shared that it is easy for him to see faith in the classroom and his major.

"I am basically teaching about God's creation, his design, his mechanisms, and all cyclesthat promote life. He has established that mechanism for us to thrive on Earth. If there was no creation, there would just be a random assemblage of minerals and bacteria," Lanphere said.

All of creation, Lanphere said, points to intelligent desing.

"We can see the engineering behind all of God's creation. Even structures like cells show God and his design," Lanphere said.

Lanphere said he tries to begin every class with devotion, Scripture and prayer. He shared that the Bible has a lot of parables related to agriculture and

environmental science, which makes it easy for him to relate them to his classes. When he teaches botany, he shows students God's design, engineering and his handiwork.

"I got my Ph.D. in chemical and environmental engineering, so I am trying to see systems that are made for special functions. And I can see that all over the plant world, in leaves, roots and stems, all of these systems point toward a creator who designed them," Lanphere said.

He shared that he is inspired by the first book of Colossians, which states that the Holy Trinity is the source of all creation. Lanphere spoke on how that sharing his beliefs with students happens naturally.

"The Bible talks about science before even scientists thought about certain things. For example, in astronomy, the Bible talks about how the sun is on its path, but astronomers did not realize that for many years."

He shared that it was God who was first teaching the prophets how he made all

things. He wanted them to understand his creation and he put all information into the Gospel.

"Science is catching up to the Bible. It is not the other way around," Lanphere said.

Not only do natural sciences relate to the Bible, but so do fields of study such as politics and international studies.

Chris McHorney, political science professor, shared how he approaches the topic when it comes to discussing subjects such as conflict and cooperation between nations.

"I begin with my Christian faith when preparing to teach a class or considering research questions," said McHorney.

"For example, I emphasize the importance of meeting the needs of refugees and immigrants (Deuteronomy 10:18-19) in several courses. My current research focuses on empowering churches that desire to connect their congregants with each other and their communities (1 Corinthians 1:10)."

Integrating faith in the classroom includes beginning class with a prayer, sharing a spiri-

tual insight from McHorney's morning devotion or sermon and addressing an issue from a Christian perspective (e.g., addressing poverty by meeting physical and spiritual needs).

McHorney presents a down-toearth perspective on teaching about the problems of the world provoked by human sin and how faith resolves them.

Heather Snavely, director of the intensive English program at CBU, shared that the teachers in the IEP implement di erent practices to share the gospel. in the international chapel.Snavely mentioned that praying together in the classroom has proven to greatly impact the students, especially when they need it.

"Teachers would pray with the students, and a lot of that happened last semester," Snavely said. "We had a lot of students who were having problems adjusting [to] family issues, and they would be crying in the class. The teachers would talk with them and talk with them. That makes an impression on students."

Madison Sardana | Banner God's beautiful creation is shown in CBU's students dorm through their decor choices featuring flowers and plants.

FAITH & LIFESTYLE

Professor debates paradoxes between free will and determinism

BY OLIVIA COX F&L EDITOR

In many ways free will is like the air we breath. It surrounds us at all times. It is forever constant. We live by it yet hardly remember it is there. Without it we are nothing - we have no ability to choose, to love or live freely. Yet an even greater reality is true: the God of the universe controls every even and everything that happens in creation. How can these two ideas both be true?

Dr. Adamson Co, professor of theology, explained the di erent types of free will as understood by theologians and how the seemingly paradoxical ideas of free will and predestination relate to one another.

“Libertarian free will considers a will free only if the will is not influenced by anything or anyone outside of it,” Co said. “Compatibilistic free will considers a will to be free even if it is influenced by outside factors so long as it is not coerced to do anything it does not want to do.”

“Our position must be one that upholds the sovereign work of God."

Dr. Adamson Co, professor of theology

Co explained that the concept of free will can be found throughout the Bible, particularly when God gives us commands to follow. This is seen in Joshua 24:15.

“[C]hoose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”

Determinism can best be defined as the idea that God determines all events in his sovereignty. Through this lens, he has control and power over all things.

“There is a spectrum on understanding determinism and

human free will. There are two kinds of determinism: hard determinism, which supplants the importance of human choices in order to highlight God’s sovereignty, and soft determinism, which allows a place for human decision-making while still upholding divine sovereignty in all events,” Co explained.

Calvinism and Arminianism are the two main approaches to understanding how these divine sovereignty exist in relation to free will.

“In a very general way, [Calvinism] holds to a compatibilistic notion of free will while the [Arminianism] holds to, more or less, a libertarian notion of human free will,” Co said. “There are various positions that exist between these two main theological positions and beyond these two poles.”

Co said that the varying theological views exist due to varying levels of emphasis people place on God’s providence.

“Understanding the proper balance of these two emphases is very important to a balanced

approach to the Christian life,” Co said. “When approaching this topic, humility is very important, knowing that we as frail human beings are dealing with the ways of a transcendent God whose ways are beyond our ability to fully comprehend.”

Above all, a gospel-centered approach is what is most significant in determining which view or side of the debate is considered most biblical.

“Our position must be one that upholds the sovereign work of God’s grace in Christ while allowing for human beings to truly act upon God’s commands,” Co said.

Brianne Jackson, CBU alumna in theater and Christian studies minor, said she holds the opinion that Christians should shift their focus away from debating topics such as these.

“I think God allows us to know a lot about him, but there are certain things that he does not reveal to us, and we just have to accept the fact that we don’t know everything and we can’t understand everything yet,”

Jackson said.

Lauren Sanner, junior applied theology student, provided her reasoning and perspective as to why a compatibilistic idea of free will is the most rational understanding of this theological dilemma.

“Many theologians would say that there is doctrine that supports both. However, there is one that is heavily supported,” Sanner said. “This is the idea that God chooses those who will be saved. There are three main reasons why this is true: it is biblical doctrine, beautiful doctrine and practical doctrine.”

In her study of Scripture, Sanner said she has found extensive evidence that God chooses those he will save. She cited Deuteronomy 7:6 (NIV) as evidence for this position.

“For you are a people [Israel] holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.”

Sanner said that Ephesians 1:3-6 also provides biblical read-

ers with a clear description of God choosing those whom he will save.

“Before creation, God chose those who he predestined to be his adopted sons and daughters so through his will they would be able to bring Hm glory, which is the reason why God createdhumans, to glorify him all that they do,” Sanner said.

While predestination is a biblical idea, Sanner clarifies that free will exists in some capacity. as well. Humans are responsible for the sins they commit, while God enables them to do good and choose to follow him.

“It was Adam and Eve who chose to eat of the fruit and sin against God,” Sanner said. “Daily, people choose to do what they know is not right. From the beginning, humans chose to turn away from God and, because of that, all humans deserve the wrath and judgement of God. However, God chose to save some by sending his only son on the cross to pay in full the debt that humans had to pay, out of the love and the mercy he has.”

Music inspires creativity, inspiration and motivation

BY OLIVIA COX F&L EDITOR

Music is a cornerstone of culture. Every society has it and every society values it. It is a source of pride across cultures and throughout history. While we don’t depend on music to survive, it seems vital to our existence in some ways.

Liliana Belton, CBU alumna in sport and performance psychology, has done extensive research on the subject of music in relation to our focus and motivation.

“I found out in the past that strong emotions are evoked by music and that emotions improve memory processes,” Belton said. “There is existing research on binaural beats, a beat produced at a particular frequency that tends to stimulate specific neurons and electrical signals in the brain.

I think this could be related to our brain's memory structure, which has been shown to improve the quality of our sleep in addition to helping people concentrate better on daily chores and almost everything, particularly before and after performances.”

From a research perspective, Belton explained that music’s

ability to increase motivation varies widely based on the individual and their music preference.

“As far as creativity goes, that plays a role hand in hand with being motivated by the music. Have you heard the quote, ‘Music is what feeling sounds like’? Music can inspire and give perspective, elements of brainstorming and creative behavior,” Belton explained.

In her personal experience, Belton has found ambient sounds or binaural beats to be extremely relaxing with her sleep. However, she clarified that this is unlikely to be the experience of every individual.

“ [M]usic holds strong power over our mood, emotions and energy. God created music to be a universal language, one in which all people relate and understand."

Leanna Huddleston, CBU alumna in commercial performance in music

“Depending on the task or scenario, it will also dictate the choice of music to help limit distractions, possibly regulate heart rate and anxiety levels and my favorite - get into that flow state of mind,” Belton said. “Most people may agree they do not enjoy chores. One can find motivation and focus on completing those chores with their upbeat, favorite songs playing in the background.”

Karla Piña, senior art therapy major, explained that music draws in di erent listeners depending on their moods and emotions.

As an artist, Piña uses music to increase inspiration and creativity as she creates. She believes music’s ability to motivate and inspire depends on the type of music being the right match for the individual.

“I’m learning in my art class that color in art is relative, which is why everyone interprets color and art di erently," Piña said. "Music is a form of art and I think the same concept applies here that each person has their own perception of music and hears and interprets it di erently.”

Because we interpret music di erently, it motivates and in-

spires us di erently as well.

Leanna Huddleston, CBU alumna in commercial performance, is currently putting together a worship music album.

“I believe music holds strong power over our mood, emotions, and energy,” Huddleston said. “God created music to be a universal language, one in which all people relate and understand.”

Huddleston said she believes music is powerful not only psychologically but also spiritually. She has seen music a ect her life through its powerful ability to a ect our mental and spiritual health.

“Music has influenced my actions toward good and bad decisions and helped me to grow. Through songwriting, music has given me the ability to process my emotions and help others to do so," Huddleston said. "God has used it to draw me nearer to him and to love others, and there is no doubt that music’s impact is greater than we understand."

Huddleston said music’s ability to change and sway emotions ties into its ability to increase motivation.

“We see all the time in athletics where people do workouts to a specific playlist. The right words, melodies and rhythms

“ As far as creativity goes, that plays a role hand in hand with being motivated by the music. Have you heard the quote, 'Music is what feeling sounds like'? Music can inspire and give perspective, elements of brainstorming and creative behavior."

Liliana Belton, CBU alumna in sport and perfomance psychology

can strengthen people’s beliefs in their ability and help them to achieve their highest performance goals,” Huddleston said. Huddleston also highlighted music’s ability to change one's

state of mind, feelings and decisions over time. Patterns in media consumption can lead to patterns in one's life.

“Music is absolutely inspiring to my creativity as an artist. It inspires new ideas and is a huge encouragement to work hard and make life a more fulfilling experience,” Huddleston said. “Our brainwaves change as we listen to music. If you’re in school and need to study for a test or focus on homework, playing classical music in the background can not only help you be more productive but also increase your ability to memorize and retain information.”

Huddleston said music can have an e ect on almost all areas of life and study, it is all about finding what type of music motivates and inspires us as individuals.

“I would like to encourage and challenge each person to think about the songs they listen to and reflect on the incredible influential power music has had in their lives. In Proverbs 4:23 it says ‘Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.’ The messages you fill your mind with every day will determine and influence the way you live,” Huddleston said.

Lindsey Stumpf | Banner

Jalen Alavarado, senior mechanical engineering major, holds the punching bag for James Hamrick, senior mechanical engineering major, who listens to music for motivation while working out.

CBU rings in the Year of the Dragon with Lunar New Year events

1. CBU’s Lunar New Year festivities featured a Chinese dragon dance in Lancer Plaza.

2. Performances included martial arts and displays of swords and knives.

3. CBU Chinese Athlete Cohort performs a fan dance.

4. The lion dance is performed for the celebration of Lunar New Year.

5. CBU students pose at the photo booth while wearing themed clothing and props.

6. A student writes names in Chinese calligraphy.

Photos by Madison Sardana and Ruth Bonisoni

Tech improves athletic performance

BY MICHAEL MARKS SPORTS EDITOR

Technology has helped make our daily lives better in so many ways. From advancements in medicine to transportation and electronics, the list is endless. But, what is seldom considered is how technology has impacted sports.

One of the sports that has been highly impacted by technology is running, so much so that World Athletics, the governing body of the sport, scrambled to make sense of this sudden skill gap that technology artificially created in their sport.

The cause of such worry?

The Nike Vaporfly running shoe, released in 2017. These would be the shoes Kenyan runner Eliud Kipchoge would wear when he became the first man to run a marathon in under two hours, an unprecedented accomplishment. World Athletics did not ban this shoe for competition, though a modified version is now required for the 2024 Tokyo Olympics.

This is achieved through the unique way the shoe has been engineered. The shoe assists with the existing mechanics of the human body.

“Think of a tight vs. loose spring—there is an optimal amount of sti ness you’d want to see to achieve maximal ‘bounce’ in the reaction between foot and ground surface (too firm and there’s no bounce, too soft and energy transfer dissipates),” said Andrew Harveson, associate professor of kinesiology. “The Vaporfly does something very similar and has been shown to improve running economy

by between 2-4%. While this doesn’t always guarantee faster running times, in e ect, it can make the mechanical act of running easier for athletes as there is more e cient energy transfer during ground contact, which can then be parlayed into improved performance.”

While 2-4% may not seem like much, the improved energy transference over the thousands of steps you take during a marathon translates into a genuine advantage over athletes who do not employ such technology in their shoes.

a blend of human biology and sports technology that other companies seek to emulate in their own respective sport.

Even though the Nike Vaporfly may be the epitome of marathon running shoes, it is still not the sole answer to all footwear-related issues. Athletes still have a wide variety of footwear to choose from. The benefits each shoe o ers depend on the athlete’s goals and remind us how highly individualized each player’s needs are.

“The Vaporfly does something very similar and has been shown to improve running economy between 2-4% .

How much of these athletic accomplishments can be attributed to the individual athlete, and how much can be attributed to technology? According to Harveson, the Olympics is the perfect place to answer such a question.

Andrew Harveson, associate professor of kinesiology

“In short, research seems to currently indicate that just about all the mean increases we may see in future human performance of Olympic-type events (sprinting, jumping) will be explained by increases in technology,” Harveson said. “These models cannot predict outliers, though, so while it becomes increasingly rare, we can’t completely discount someone who may truly have an inherent biological advantage.”

This can be partly explained by how companies have consistently improved the technology and engineering that goes into their products. The Nike Vaporfly exemplifies

“We have di erent shoes in our rotation and select them based on the type of run we’re doing. For workouts, we have flats, which are usually lightweight and bouncy. For easy runs, we have heavier shoes that provide more support and less impact on the legs, and for our so-called ‘normal’ runs, we have a shoe that’s in between those two,” said Rikus van Niekerk, senior civil engineering major and member of the cross-country team.

There are other ways that technology can also be incorporated that aren’t always performance-boosting, with some athletes being extra selective about the kinds they choose to incorporate in their training.

“I am using my Garmin GPS watch every day,” said Maja Dzialoszewska, senior business administration major and member of the cross-country team. “From my experience,

the Apple Watch is not that accurate and advanced to use for professional runners. Here’s why: Garmin is primarily designed for runners and athletes, o ering in-depth running metrics, advanced training features, and long battery life.” Details that may seem like minuscule aspects of technology can make all the di erence, right down to the cleats on a soccer shoe.

“ From my experience, the Apple Watch is not that accurate and advanced to use for professional runners. Maja Dzialoszewska, senior business administration major

in my form,” said Easton Seip, freshman business major and member of the women’s soccer team. “The spikes of the cleat definitely impact play because there’s a di erence between firm ground or soft ground studs in which helps you plant, turn, and get balance on di erent fields of play.”

“When selecting a shoe to run in, I look at the sole of the shoe and the weight to make sure it’s comfortable and aids

Regardless of one’s stance on technology, the impact that it has had and will continue to have on sports is undeniable. While the presence of technology comes with challenges, the positives

cannot be underscored enough.

“You can see the positive impacts of technology in every aspect of running, ranging from shoes that cause less injury to a smartwatch and di erent applications to help you keep track of your training. On a college team, you can expect each athlete to have at least one pair of carbon-plated shoes and a smartwatch with GPS, such as an Apple watch, Garmin, or Coros. The improvement in technology not only helps athletes to run faster, but it also helps with better recovery, which means less injuries.”

The issues of technology in sports are not going away. How we deal with it will have consequences on future competition and competitors, reminding us how one size doesn’t always fit all.

Photo Illustration by Charissa Graves | Banner

Athletes will go through many different types of shoes in a season, each with their own purpose and design.

Fruit y infestation leads scientists to create gene-edited ies to save crops across state

BY ARIANNA BULTSMA ASST. B&T EDITOR

Fruit flies are a significant contributor to damaged crops. These flies love citrus, which is a big problem for California, considering how much citrus this state produces. However, this season California has experienced an unusually high population of fruit flies.

Scientists are making gene-edited flies to fight crop damage during these infestations. This technique has been used for years and was typically used for mosquito control, but it could also be used for fruit fly control.

Dr. Hyun-Woo Park, professor of biology, has done research on bacteria that could control mosquitoes and spoken on the two approaches used for gene-edited fruit flies.

“The first one is for the male. They can mortify the gene so that they can only hatch stale malso there is no o spring. The second approach is targeting the females. Then females do not hatch, or right after hatch, they die,” said Park.

“This breakthrough may lessen crop damage and increase the sustainability of agriculture.”

Luca Imbriolo, sophomore computer science major sophomore nursing

Cutting-edge technology could solve this problem by stopping the spread of these flies. This could be a solution because of Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) gene-editing technology.

“This CRISPR technique is now used for gene-edited, and any bacteria gene can be easily modified by this technique. This technique can also be used for eukaryotic genes as well such as fruit flies. It can knock out certain genes or change the DNA sequences,” said Park.

Researchers are applyingthis to pests to control a range of insects that destroy crop production every year. This year, there has been a high population and gene-edited flies could solve the problem, but it is a long process to get to that point, Park explained.

“Once they develop genetically modified fruit flies then they use it in the lab scale. If, on the lab scale, they have good results, they go to the semi-field conditions. They have a greenhouse kind of setup and release those and see how it works,” said Park. “If that is also good, then they have to get approval from federal agencies and state agencies then finally, they could be released into the environment. But the ecosystem is not as simple as in the lab conditions. So we can not predict whether it is going to be absolutely successful or not based on this lab or semi-field results.”

Alyssa Lockwood, freshman biomedical sciences major, explained how nutritionists are concerned about GMOs and how this could be a way to stop changes in the DNA of crops.

“It is a way to keep the crops healthy, I assume, from pests, weeds, herbicides and pesticides, without changing or altering the crops’ DNA. Some people are very concerned about GMOs. I feel like this might be a way to alleviate some of the concerns citizens have about GMOs because maybe we could leave the crops’ DNA unaltered while still fighting crop damage,” said Lockwood.

Because of the uncertainty, it is not possible to fully tell if there will be any downsides. There is always a “what if” fac-

tor with techniques like these.

Luca Imbriolo, sophomore computer science major, expressed his own thoughts on gene-edited fruit flies and their e ects on helping save crops.

“It is a way to keep plants healthy from pests, weeds, herbicide and pesticides, without changing or altering the crops’ DNA.”

Alyssa Lockwood, freshman biomedical science major

“This breakthrough may lessen crop damage and increase the sustainability of agriculture. Nevertheless, unintended ecological e ects and regulatory control to guarantee the safe application of genetically modified organisms in the environment remain worries. The possible e ects on ecosystems and altering an organism’s genetic composition also raise ethical questions,” said Imbriolo.

Park gave his personal thoughts on the issue.

“In theory, that should be really safe to use and they should not damage the ecosystem. Again, we have to be really careful otherwise there could be disasters. Scientists are doing this because it is - when you consider all the possibilities - it is still very safe,” said Park.

Lockwood voiced her concerns.

“My concerns would be that although there is a positive aspect of fighting crop damage with these fruit flies, could there be negative consequences to the ecosystem? I would want

to know more about the editing process and how the phenotype of the fruit flies have been altered,” said Lockwood.

Gene-edited flies have the potential to help California crops. Although the e ects are not entirely predictable, the process should

still be safe for the ecosystem. This could help the citrus crop stay safe from damage caused by fruit flies.

BY ALEXZA BAHNMILLER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Conveniently named, Downtowne Books is a bookstore located in downtown Riverside that sells (you guessed it) books, old and new. Independent and woman-owned since its opening in 1979, Downtowne Books is at the top of my list of favorite places to shop. Cute and rustic, the shop sits at the corner of Main Street, only about 10 minutes from campus.

“ Just be warned, if you decide to come back and become a regular, they will want to know your name and will be certain to make you feel like family each time you come back. ”

For help locating the entry door, there is usually a sign on the sidewalk with an arrow instructing you to go underneath an arch and follow down a small ally on the side of the building that is covered in lush plants

and flowers. It makes for a great photo opp, too. In front of the door, there is sometimes a cart full of books on sale from $1 to $5 that is worth browsing. Once you enter the shop, you’ll be greeted by the cozy smell of the old books that fill the rows of wood shelves throughout the shop. The books are organized by genre, and there is an expansive religion section. Prices for the books depend on their timeliness - newer ones usually are marked at $15-$20, and you can find old er ones for about $5- $15. One of my favorite finds was a collectible “The Purpose Driven Life Workbook,” by Rick Warren that had a leather cover and was $5. If you want to sell your books, the store o ers trade-in credit.

Sisters Nadia and Vera Lee bought Downtowne Books in 2002 and in mid-2023 sociopolitical scientist, Dr. Jungmiwha Bullock, took over ownership, according to their Instagram @ downtownebookstore. Since becoming the owner, Bullock, on behalf of the shop, has put on several philanthropic events. For example, in July, artist and author Kadir Nelson came to the shop, painted merchandise and took part in a meet and greet. In December, the shop hosted the Artwalk Kicko event in collaboration with the California School for the Deaf, Riverside. Also in December, Downtowne Books had their first annual toy drive in collaboration with The Heart Matters nonprofit organization.

All of these events and other important information about the

shop can be found on their socials, as well as fun posts such as reels where viewers can get to know the employees, watch how Bullock makes her mom’s infamous Korean recipes and see themselves in recaps from events.

Along with books, Downtowne Books sells funny stickers, bookmarks and trendy merchandise such as tote bags and T-shirts, which can also be purchased on their website: https:// downtownebookstore.square. site/. Since the products they sell change almost daily, it makes each visit new and refreshing. I’ve spent many hours here perusing through books and love to introduce friends and family to the shop as they usually fall in love with it, too. Just be warned, if you decide to come back and become a regular, they will want to know your name and will be certain to make you feel like family each time you come back. For those with commitment issues, maybe stay away from this one.

Universal removes its artists’ songs from TikTok

BY ARIANNA BULTSMA ASST. B&T EDITOR

Millions of TikTok users are finding the sounds within their videos gone, as disagreements between the social media app TikTok and major record label Universal Music Group (UMG) have caused UMG to remove all of its artists’ songs from the app.

The app is quieter than before without some of the world’s most prominent musicians’ songs on TikTok. In 2020, TikTok was popularized for dancing videos that used many songs from artists under Universal Music Group, and most recently, vlog-like videos with music in the background have been a

trend. Even videos where the music isn’t the main focus have been muted.

TikTok and Universal’s recent licensing agreement expired and both companies could not agree on a new one. According to Universal in a statement, TikTok’s issues include compensation for artists and songwriters and the need to protect artists from the harmful e ects of AI music creations.

The record label company stated in an open letter to the artist and songwriter community-why we must call time out on TikTok located on their website, “TikTok attempted to bully us into accepting a deal worth less than the previous deal, far

less than fair market value, and not reflective of their exponential growth.”

TikTok publicly responded on TikTok Newsroom to this statement by saying, “It is sad and disappointing that Universal Music Group has put their own greed above the interest of their artist and songwriters.”

In their statement, TikTok also mentioned that they have been able to reach artist-first agreements with other labels.

Two CBU students shared their opinions of the app’s new change.

Madison Dear, sophomore social work major, has used TikTok for a while and shared her thoughts on seeing recent

and older videos with no sound anymore.

“I am a little disappointed to find out that big music artists’ sounds were removed on TikTok. It is sad to come across videos where the sound has been removed,” Dear said.

When asked how this change will a ect how she personally uses the app, Dear said it will decrease her activity.

“I do believe that this change will impact the way I use this app. If there are no songs that I recognize or like, I will be less interested in using TikTok,” she said.

Lauryn Navarro, freshman nutrition major, shared her thoughts on Universal pulling

their artist from TikTok.

“I think TikTok is the reason a lot of songs got recognized. Now that a lot of them are o , it sucks because that opportunity isn’t there anymore,” said Navarro.

Well-known musician Noah Kahan has also spoken out about what is happening on the app. He posted a short TikTok speaking on the topic and doesn’t seem pleased with what is happening. He mentioned that some of his songs won’t be on the app anymore and he can’t promote his songs on TikTok. His video explained that TikTok is a good platform for artists, including him. It is a place where songs

become hits, which is what happened to him and a number of other artists whose songs found an audience on TikTok. Kahan ended his TikTok trying to calm himself.

“I’ll probably be OK, right? I’ll land on my feet, right… right?” Kahan said.

It’s clear that TikTok is and was a place for musicians to promote their songs. With what has happened between UMG and TikTok, many musicians cannot do this. With Universal Music Group being such a large record label, it may still pose a problem for less established artists. Currently, it is unclear exactly how much this will change TikTok as an app.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

CBU opera’s double bill, tragedy and comedy take center stage

GABI RIGGIN A&E EDITOR

In a riveting convergence of classical tragedy and comedic legal proceedings, the opera double bill of ‘Dido and Aeneas’ and ‘Trial by Jury’ was presented by California Baptist University at the Lewis Family Playhouse in Rancho Cucamonga on Feb. 23 and 24. The night captivates audiences with heart-wrenching operatic drama and uproarious courtroom antics. This pairing navigates the timeless tales of love, betrayal and justice with an innovative twist.

The first opera was a Baroque-style opera, while the second was a comedy. This combination of performances has taken lots of planning for the cast and production team, as they have been preparing since the beginning of the fall semester.

“So it’s two very contrasting shows of the night. But one, you get the drama of opera. The second one is completely di erent, where you get the comedy of opera,” said Wyatt Mitchison, vocal performance graduate student and the actor who plays Aeneas.

In the first performance, Mitchison plays the son of Aphrodite and Anchises and is known in mythology as a mythical hero of Troy and Rome, while in the second, he is the judge.

Navigating between the two storylines proved to be a challenge for the entire opera production as they went through the hours and days spent rehearsing the week before their show.

“‘I’ve been creating four or five di erent characters since September. But it’s been really fun. It’s really challenged me and pushed me to be able to snap into two di erent characters at a moment’s notice,” Mitchison said, “We’ve never done two shows in one night. It’s a very unique and interesting journey.”

Part of an opera is conveying a message and telling a story through music and song; on top of the acting and move-

ments on stage, they must convey messages through their voice. Typically, operas are not in English. The languages that are normally found in an opera are French, German and Italian, according to the English National Opera. With these two operas being in English, there is more pressure for the message of both stories to be transferred more quickly.

“With it being English, now, we have to make sure that you understand the words that we’re saying. It’s very easy for opera singers to manipulate vowels,” Mitchison said.

The operas are complete with music in addition to the acting and learning the music is more challenging than it may seem. Preparations for these operas have been ongoing for many months before the premiere weekend.

“The music in the Purcell is quite di cult. And I think the students have done a tremendous job learning the music because everything, of course, in an opera has to be done by heart. They’re not allowed to bring music to the stage,” said Fred Carama, adjunct professor, chorus director and coach for the operas.

Storytelling in an opera is crucial in conveying the story’s message, and for Carama, working with the chorus requires a plethora of work for the students.

“A chorus is a very important part of an opera. They carry on the storytelling. And not only do they need to know the music as an ensemble, but of course, they’re on stage a lot of the time, and they need to act and be participants, you know, reacting to the principles, and it’s a big collaborative e ort to do an Opera Chorus,” Carama said.

Following this performance set a high bar for Matthew Stumpf, CBU music alumnus who plays the judge in the comedy “Trial by Jury.” Stumpf explained that going from the story of a tragedy and then transitioning to a comedy right after creates, a “cognitive whiplash” for the audience, and part of his job as someone

in the comedy was to make sure that the comedic aspect did not get lost.

Stumpf’s chosen genre for acting is comedy. He found that while working through the constraints of the opera, working within his role and trying to find moments that were organically funny to him and the rest of the cast was a challenge but also freeing.

“Within those constraints is where we find more freedom,”

Stumpf said. For the opera’s ending, Stumpf’s hope for the audience is that they walk away and aren’t disappointed leaving the theater with a profound new perspective.

“I really want people to come away not having just laughed but also having a more critical understanding of the world they live in. Comedy is when the dissonance of the real world and our expecta-

tions comes in. My hope is that by critically analyzing the comedy of this show, people start to look at the world through a similar lens,” Stumpf said.

Likewise, Joel Balzun, adjunct professor of applied voice and the head vocal coach for CBU opera, wants the audience to know that the opera has something in it for everyone. Balzun hopes they notice the variety in the opera theater.

“For our attending audi-

ence, I hope they realize that opera can convey a wide variety of moods. ‘Dido and Aeneas’ is a dark tragedy with a devastating ending, while ‘Trial by Jury’ is like a non-sensical sketch,” Balzun said. “Opera is a magnified, elongated expression of the human experience. Aesthetically, it is the convergence of music, drama, visual art and dance. There is something for everyone, especially this production we are mounting.”

An unforgettable performance by cellist Aristides Rivas

Melody and mastery collided as the spotlight turns to cellist Aristides Rivas in the eagerly awaited fourth installment of the Faculty Artist Series on Saturday, Feb. 10. This exclusive musical rendezvous promised an evening of unparalleled artistry.

Rivas, Grammy-nominated cellist and adjunct professor at CBU, put together a setlist of classical music for the students and faculty on campus. He prepared the piece “The Swan” from “Carnival of the Animals” by Camille Saint-Saens, “Suite No.3 in C major,” BWV 1009 for Violoncello Solo by Johann Sebastian Bach, “Suite for Violoncello Solo” by Gaspar Cassado and Le Grand Tango.

The performance lasted an hour, but time flew as Rivas transformed the room with his playing. For the last song he played, he invited his colleague Dr. Gene Moon to play the piano for the final piece. The connection the two had with the audience, each other and the music itself filled the small room with warmth and joy. Students were smiling back at their professors and before the final song, they even walked up with gifts of floral bouquets to give to Rivas.

“Working with Dr. Moon, it has always been a pleasure

to see somebody that I know I can count on for anything, and being able to play with him was really fun,” said Rivas. After the first instrumental, when Rivas went to take a break, he got up and bantered with his audience, engaging with them as he said, “I will now tell a few jokes while I rest my arm.”

In between each song, he spoke passionately about his preparation for the piece and what it meant that he was now playing it again. Rivas’ passion and e ort did not go unnoticed.

“I just cannot relax. If I do something, I just have to do it the best I can. And this recital was not an exception. So I did.

I did prepare a lot, worked very hard for this program,” Rivas said, “It was a challenging program; some of the music I was familiar with, but some of the pieces were new to me. So, bringing the new pieces to the same level as the ones that I’m more comfortable with was challenging.”

coming up. He played a small excerpt from a familiar melody that many associate with love, “La Vie en Rose,” apparently by ear, as he said, “It goes something like that,” and chuckled.

A standing ovation occured shortly after he finished that quick song, and as soon as he was free, his students flooded the floor, waiting eagerly to speak to him after his show.

Lily Bostrom, senior instrumental performance and music education major, expressed her gratitude that the Faculty Artist Series allowed her to hear one of her favorite professors and mentors.

“He is such a kind and humble human.

“Very rarely do students get the opportunity here to hear their professors perform. Being able to hear professionals in the field show the things they teach in their own playing is so special.

Jeremy Ward, senior music education major

I’ve had hours spent in lessons focusing on bow control with Professor Rivas, and getting to see him execute this control that he’s teaching me is awe-inspiring. It is an incredible learning opportunity,” Bostrom said.

At the end of his performance, he spoke to his audience, cracked a few jokes and mentioned a student had wanted him to prepare a piece in honor of Valentine’s Day

Likewise, Rivas mentioned how long he has been teaching, which was before he was an adult, and the passions he has grown to have for teaching and playing. Rivas’ goal for any per-

formance is to give his all.

“I cannot ask my students in their lessons and demand that they work hard, the hardest they can, if I’m not doing it myself, right? So, I need to teach by demonstration or be a role model. And for me, that was one of the main reasons why I did everything possible to present a top-notch concert,” Rivas said.

Through his best e orts to show the care and passion that he has not only for his music and his craft but for his students and being a mentor, he leaves his students awe-inspired by the kind of person that he is and what he brings to the music school at CBU.

“I had previously seen him perform a violin and cello concerto several years prior, but that was before I knew him as my teacher. This experience, after having a personal connection with him, made every note that came from his cello in his hands erupt with a story,” said Bostrom. “Professor Rivas is a true source of light in the world and an untapped source of potential and knowledge in the School of Performing Arts.”

The feeling is mutual among Rivas’ students, as he has helped to build a community that shares the love for music and appreciation for the art of playing an instrument that many of his students saw as a unique and authentic experi-

“

I’ve had hours spent in lessons focusing on bow control with Professor Rivas, and getting to see him execute this control that he’s teaching me is awe-inspiring. It is an incredible learning opportunity.'

Lily Bostrom, senior, instrumental performance and music education major

ence to see him play. “I have known Professor Rivas my whole time at CBU. He has coached some of my chamber groups and provided invaluable insight into playing my instrument,” said Jeremy Ward, senior and music education major, “He is such a kind and humble human that one would barely expect him to be so incredible upon meeting him. I haven’t had the opportunity to hear him play solo music before, so it was a real treat to just enjoy his recital.”

When it comes to teaching, for Rivas, it is a full-circle mo-

ment. He sees that it goes hand in hand with playing and understands that his students want to see him playing and his discipline and control when playing. The Faculty Artist Series was a moment for professors to show their students who they are.

“I was trained by my teachers to teach. I feel it’s almost a responsibility but not a duty. But it’s something more more more deeper than that. I think it’s something that is very fulfilling for me. It kind of completes the cycle to teach. For me, it’s like a way to pass on something, a gift given to me,” Rivas said. “Teaching is my way to complete the cycle to pass on the knowledge and wisdom shared with me by so many people.”

As the music faded out of the audience’s ears that evening and the recital came to a close, the standing ovation that Rivas received was just the beginning of the gratitude and enjoyment he received from his students and colleagues as their faces lit up with happiness.

“It was like they were looking at me for the first time. So they came with a lot of curiosity and questions and feedback,” Rivas said. “I enjoyed kind of reintroducing myself to them and letting them know that that’s something that I do. They can count on me as a mentor to achieve whatever dreams they have.”

GABI RIGGIN A&E EDITOR

Courtesy of Amanda Barrier | School of Performing Arts

The double bill starts off with the dramatic “Dido & Aeneas,” an operatic retelling of “The Aenid” by Virgil.

Charissa Graves | Banner

The main cast of “Trial by Jury” takes the stage front-and-center for the conclusion of the one-act comedy.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

CBU celebrates Black History Month with the art of jazz music

The stage became a place for musicians to showcase heritage and rhythm during the Black History Month Celebration concert at Northpoint Church. The concert was presented by the California Baptist University Jazz Ensemble and had many di erent special guests such as jazz bassist Dr. Marshall Hawkins, CBU strings and CBU modern jazz orchestra. An unforgettable jazz show unfolded on Feb. 16, celebrating vibrant culture, serving as a powerful homage to creativity and honoring the profound influence of Black musicians throughout history.

The celebration was centered on the history of jazz and o ered a chance to reflect upon the wondrous musical journey that tells a story without words.

The concert was a celebration of resilience and a testament to the enduring legacy of jazz. The performance consisted of the jazz ensemble performing di erent medleys of famous Black composers, a performance from CBU’s History of Jazz class and an African drums performance. The event also featured special vocal performances from di erent singers such as Traivon Willams, CBU alumnus and music educator.

Kyle Harris Archie, a senior and music major at CBU said, “This art form comes from a place of oppression and hard times, it has evolved into everything else we listen to today (...) it tells a story through our pain.”

Jazz music has left an indelible mark on American culture, working its way into literature

and art. The genre stands as a testament to resilience and creativity, serving as a cornerstone in the narrative of Black history.

Dr. Dan St. Marseille, CBU’s music director, explained, “Jazz music was born here in America and came from African American folk traditions; it has influenced society, and society has influenced it.”

The concert included an homage to great black composers such as Duke Ellington. The event had African drums, slap jazz, swing music and a variety of styles representing Black culture.

According to St. Marseille, the jazz ensembles’ preparation for the show is in the span of two weeks. The strings have around a week to practice, and then they meet as a group to have an hour of rehearsal the night of the concert. As the jazz history professor at CBU, Marseille understood the cultural significance that the event entailed. He reflected on the importance of celebrating African American heritage through music.

“You go into an elevator, you hear jazz, you go see a motion picture, jazz - you wouldn’t have the popular styles today if you didn’t have jazz,” Marseille said.

While Marseille’s words hold true, jazz often doesn’t receive the appreciation it deserves. It is crucial to recognize the significant influence jazz has had on many well-known records. From the multitude of artists featured in Spotify or Apple Music playlists drawing inspiration from jazz beats and blues

tunes like “Apricot Princess” by Rex Orange County to “Passionfruit” by Drake, the roots come from old jazz music.

“Jazz music is the foundation, in my opinion, for as much as 80% or 90% of artistic culture around the world,” Marseille said.

According to Marseille, although jazz may not be the most well-known genre among the college-aged generation, it is seen everywhere.

EDITOR’S REVIEW

BY GABI RIGGIN I A&E EDITOR

his father, which carries exactly what the father sends him on his quest for.

Link’s short stories merge reality with a world full of magic and imagination, where everything is seen on a deeper level, and everything that happens isn’t always what it seems.

Happen,” “Magic for Beginners,” “Pretty Monsters,” “Get in Trouble” and her most recent short story collection, “White Cat, Black Dog.” The New Yorker’s review said Link was “an expert illusionist,” The Washington Post called her “a short story sorceress.” Agreeably, Link is truly a genius in modern fairy tale short stories. The description of the book states that she took inspiration from stories of the Brothers Grimm, Scottish ballads and 17th-century French lore. She spins the classic fairy tales so seamlessly that they are unrecognizable.

Link’s opening short story takes inspiration from a French tale called “The White Cat.” Link’s story, “The White Cat’s Divorce,” immerses readers in the journey of the youngest son of a billionaire who doesn’t want to grow old and ugly and sends his sons o to complete random quests. The main focus of this story is the son who encounters a planet run entirely by cats that walk on their hind legs. Weirdly enough, he doesn’t bat an eye. The son meets a white cat, who talks to him and gives him magical seeds to bring back to

As Time said, this collection is like “The Brothers Grimm meet Black Mirror meets Alice in Wonderland… In seven remixed fairy tales, [Kelly] Link delivers wit and dreamlike intrigue.” The story continues to get weirder and more magical as it goes on, nodding to reality and keeping the reader in this realm of what is real and what is not.

Link’s second short story in the collection is “Prince Hat Underground,” a modern twist on marriage and relationship dynamics. The story itself starts in media res or the middle of the action. She plays with the weirdness of the name Prince Hat and ordinary names like Gary, whom the narrator describes as being garish, which is contradictory considering Gary is an ordinary name, but to be garish is to be bright and vivid. Gary sets out to look for Prince Hat underground, and the story goes from living in New York to ordinary Gary following Prince Hat all around the world to the underground world.

These seven short stories collectively pull the reader into this region of fantasy that challenges reality. Link begins the following short story with the narrator breaking the fourth wall. “The White Road” starts with, “All of this happened a

After the final performance came to an end, attendees of the jazz concert stayed, reflecting on the experience.

One audience member, Andrew Calvillo, fifth year music education major and singer, shared his opinion on the event.

“I really enjoyed the Duke Ellington melody - it had all of my favorite songs,” Calvillo said.

The jazz concert served as a

“White

Black Dog” by Kelly Link

very long time ago, and so, I suppose, it has taken on the shape of a story, a made-up thing, rather than true things that happened to me and to those around me.”

Link seamlessly draws the reader’s attention with a captivating claim, “You sense the world has transformed, evolving from what it once was.” This subtle shift in perspective engages the audience, sparking curiosity about the unraveling narrative.

In this collection, Link’s short stories share a common emotional thread while embodying distinctly unique personalities. Link connects to the reader through the characters and the plot of the stories. She introduces her audience to

reminder of the legacy of Black music and culture. Through the soulful melodies of the performers, attendees were transported on a journey, connecting with the beautiful heritage of Black culture and the triumphs of generations past, which was very clear to the audience members.

“I think Black history and culture was at the foundation of the music itself, so it was presenting everything that was

played,” Calvillo said. The audience bonded over how jazz continues to honor and uplift the voices of those who have shaped music as it is known today. The show ensured that their contributions are recognized and celebrated for generations to come, all while standing as a testament to Black heritage and the transformative power of music to inspire, educate and unite us all.

KHAYLEE ENNABI STAFF WRITER

Charissa Graves | Banner

Nigerian percussionist Najite Agindotan performs in a drum line with members of the School of Performing Arts’ Jazz History class.

STUNT lances competition with perfect record

BY MICHAEL MARKS SPORTS EDITOR

56-0. This is the record of the CBU STUNT team going undefeated the past three years since their inaugural season in 2021. The team has managed to become an anomaly in the sports world with their unprecedented skill and competitive nature, accomplishing something that no one has come close to in the 12 years of organized STUNT’s existence.

A successful program has to have strong leadership at the top. Strong leadership is not enough in and of itself, though, as every great team needs something bigger to help guide them through the high points as well as the low points. What this is looks di erent for every team, and what it is they exactly represent and hope to accomplish.

Head STUNT Coach Brandon Seagondollar does not mince words with what he and the STUNT team represent.

“[We’re] trying to build a legacy that will outlast all of us. That starts with the culture within and glorifying God at the center of it. When you have God at the center of your program, the culture is built around something bigger than wins and losses. It’s built around faith; it’s built around his guidance and glorifying him,” said Seagondollar.

Of course, what the team has accomplished is already evident by their record. The

pressure to perform game after game, however, can build up, especially with such a demanding schedule year in and year out. Most people know how hard it is for a team to be back-toback champions in any sport, let alone threetime national champions.

Most teams would break under this kind of pressure, but for Seagondollar, this is all just part of the process.

“

Pressure can be destructive, but we choose to embrace it as an opportunity to build something amazing and beautiful.

Sadie

heavy but does not hold us down. We compete against our own standards, raising the bar for ourselves and our competitors and future teams each season.”

Hackford,

senior sport management major

“You have to have pressure and these expectations to create diamonds,” Seagondollar said. “Diamonds are created out of pressure. With all that pressure and hard work, you crack it open, and you have a beautiful diamond. We need that pressure to shine bright at the end of the journey.”

The players, for their part, have fully embraced the pressure and competitive spirit that their coach embodies so well, using this pressure to their advantage.

“Pressure can be destructive, but we choose to embrace it as an opportunity to build something amazing and beautiful,” said Sadie Hackford, senior sport management major. “With three consecutive championships and an undefeated record, the expectation for perfection is

The result of hard work and dedication has allowed this team to create something truly historical and it is especially rewarding for the players who get to be a part of it.

“Being a part of CBU STUNT, especially as the premier trailblazers in the sport, is an incredibly rewarding experience. Our team’s success and dedication not only reflect our individual skills and hard work but also the culture and family environment we’ve fostered,” said Breanna Gonzalez, a graduate student with an MBA concentration in management.

Many of the original players who were here for the inaugural season are beginning to graduate, leaving a new generation of up-and-coming players to take the reigns and continue this tradition of

“Despite the achievements of this program, we also focus on glorifying God in everything we do.

Breanna Gonzalez, fifth-year graduate student with an MBA concentration in management

greatness. With new players comes new challenges, especially as coaches and players bring them up to speed. “We have a really strong incoming freshman, rookie class, and I knew that they were gonna be able to rise to the occasion in addition to the leadership of our veteran athletes,” Seagondollar said. “I

wanted to push the schedule a little bit more, we wanted to travel a little bit more, and we wanted to try to seek out teams that would put up a good fight against us.”

Any team’s veteran players know they need to impart what they have learned to the younger players, lest the culture and work ethic of the team that helped get them this far be lost altogether. This attitude is reflected in many veteran players and reflects how important this team has become to them.

“We have a champion mindset, learning and growing together to be the best. We are

LANCER OF THE ISSUE

DILETTA FACCHINI, JUNIOR COMMUNICATION STUDIES AND MARKETING DOUBLE MAJOR, WOMEN’S GOLF TEAM

Q: WHY DID YOU START PLAYING GOLF?

“I mainly started playing golf because my dad and my brother started. I was 4 when I hit my very first golf ball. It was just a good way to spend time all together with my family, and then I started enjoying it more to the point that I wanted to compete at high levels.”

Q: WHAT DREW YOU TO COME AND PLAY AT CBU?

“When I decided to transfer, I was looking for a place that would feel like home, and talking to Coach Marc Machado, I really felt like this was the right place for me. In addition, Coach Marc definitely made the difference: He is charismatic, and I love the way he coaches and the relationships he builds with us as players.”

Q: FAVORITE TEAM MEMORY?

all in, remembering where it all began as we make history for women in sports,” said Hackford.

As the sport continues to grow, these women have been able to accomplish what can only be described as historic, all the while maintaining a humble attitude in the process.

“Being at the forefront of STUNT allows us to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the sport while inspiring others to follow,” Gonzalez said. “Despite the achievements of this program, we also focus on glorifying God in everything we do. None of it would be possible without the grace of God.”

DoubleFeature!

IAN MULLEN, SOPHOMORE BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING MAJOR, MEN’S SWIM AND DIVE TEAM

Q: WHY DID YOU START DOING COMPETITIVE SWIM?

“I chose competitive swimming when I was 8 years old because I’ve always loved the competitive atmosphere of racing and the feeling of being in the water.”

Q: WHAT DREW YOU TO COME AND PLAY AT CBU?

“My favorite team memory is definitely the SoCal Ryder Cup. It was my first one this year, but it was memorable. We had some issues because my partner got injured the night before, so there were so many changes, but we all adapted to them and we won the Ryder Cup.”

Q: WHAT IS ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE TEAM TRADITIONS?

“I think my favorite team tradition is the huddle every time after practice and our tournament prep day. They are both crucial moments for us as a team because it is a time during which we share good or bad moments, what we liked about practice, we share quotes. I believe that the quality time we spend together can really make a difference.”

Q: WHAT IS YOUR GO-TO PRE-GAME MEAL?

“I’m not a big eater before tournaments, but I usually have a good breakfast with some yogurt, fruit and some scrambled eggs. It is very simple, but it’s the only thing that makes me full, but I don’t feel heavy.”

“The main reason I came to compete for CBU was that CBU is a Christian university. As a Christian, I believe God has gifted me with talents and abilities that should be used to bring honor and glory to him. CBU is the perfect school that allows me to merge my sport and my faith into one place.”

Q: FAVORITE TEAM MEMORY?

“My favorite team memory is going to Texas for a week and competing at the Conference for the first time. Everything that happened there was so memorable. From the travel days to seeing the pool to the pre-race pep talks to the meet itself, it’s an experience I’ll never forget.”

Q: WHAT IS ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE TEAM TRADITIONS?

“My favorite team tradition is our annual Christmas party and white elephant gift exchange. For this, the whole team goes to our head coach’s house to have dinner and exchange gifts together.”

Q: WHAT IS YOUR GO-TO PRE-GAME MEAL?

“My go-to pre-meet meal is anything breakfast. The more food, the better.”

Courtesy of Riley Bruce

CBU STUNT team wins their game against the University of California, Davis on Feb. 23, 2024.

“When

BY

As

to Gaming Bolt. Not only is the price to construct a PS5-level build twice the cost of the console, but one also has access to Sony’s wide range of exclusive games that PC players are not privy to.

Some of these exclusives,

BY

GABI RIGGIN A&E EDITOR

PC gaming boasts several distinct advantages that make it a compelling choice for many gamers. From customization options and superior graphics capabilities to a vast library of games and the flexibility to upgrade hardware, PC gaming stands out as a versatile and dynamic gaming environment.

PC gaming is a pinnacle in the gaming realm, o ering a unique experience fueled by superior speeds and graphics. The processing power and graphical capabilities of high-end gaming PCs send gamers into immersive worlds with seamless frame rates and stunning visuals, which outstand consoles' performance, like the PS5's.

What was a time you felt loved?

“School

such as Marvel’s Spider-Man

“

“My

PS5 is better than PC Audrey beyond 'Ti 's'

2, God of War Ragnarök and Horizon Forbidden West, were explicitly built for the PS5, meaning these games most likely wouldn’t run as well on a PC that had a similar build even if they had access to them. Also, the console can run any game in its store, whereas PC gamers may be unable to play certain games based on their specs. The seamless hardware and software integration in the PS5 ensures optimized performance across various titles, providing a consistently exceptional gaming experience.

“

This immediate accessibility is one of the primary reasons PS5 is an excellent choice for most gamers."

While someone with a PC may need to occasionally swap out parts to keep up with the newest games, games available on PS5 have been designed with the console’s exact specs in mind, meaning most games will run smoothly throughout the

console’s lifespan. In contrast, the performance of a PC varies greatly depending on each component, meaning that there is much more time, money and e ort that one must put into building a PC that is as strong as they want it to be.

This immediate accessibility is one of the primary reasons PS5 is an excellent choice for most gamers. The user interface alone is a fantastic perk to owning a PS5. For example, PS5 DualSense controllers have highly intuitive haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, making the gaming experience incredibly immersive.

Additionally, the plugand-play capabilities of the PS5 are superior to the maintenance required for the average custom-built PC. Since most games are optimized and intentionally ported to the PS5, players don’t have to worry about their console experiencing significant lag while playing even the largest games for the system.

Additionally, there is virtually no need to worry about overheating or airflow since the console was designed to have the best performance possible. But, PCs require frequent cleaning, performance tests, software updates and data backups.

An advocate for PC gaming may argue that they have access to a more extensive library of games than console gamers. While this may be true, most games unavailable to consoles are small indie games or lower-quality titles that are not necessarily crucial to one’s gaming experience. Therefore, while there are many games that a PS5 user may not have access to that a PC gamer does, the value of these titles is not a solid swaying point since the highest quality games with the highest budgets are developed for the console before the PC.

While PCs have long been heralded as the ultimate gaming platform, the PlayStation 5 has emerged as a formidable contender in the ongoing debate. With its unparalleled performance, user-friendly interface, exclusive game library and value proposition, the PS5 is the clear choice for the average gamer seeking an immersive and accessible experience. Whether a casual player or a hardcore enthusiast, the PS5 delivers on all fronts, solidifying its position as the definitive gaming console.

PC is better than PS5

This supremacy in performance translates into a gaming experience that is not bound by the constraints of fixed hardware.

Moreover, the expansive world of PC gaming is a testament to its dominance. With a vast library, PC gaming provides an extensive array of gaming options. From intense first-person shooters to intricate strategy games, the platform accommodates a diverse range of genres, ensuring players access an unparalleled selection of gaming experiences. This variety of options is much greater than the options of a PS5 console.

The beauty of PC gaming lies not only in its performance and game library but also in its adaptability. Customization is the foundation of the PC gaming experience, allowing users to tailor their setups to suit their budget and preferences.

Whether building on a tight budget or investing in a high-end powerhouse, the flexibility of PC components empowers gamers to curate a gaming environment that aligns with their individual needs. This adaptability extends to the core of the PC system, as users can easily upgrade components over

time, ensuring that their PC evolves alongside technological advancements.

The combination of faster speeds, higher graphics, extensive game options, customization possibilities and upgradeability solidifies PC gaming as the definitive choice for those seeking the highest level of gaming excellence. Not only is the customization experience for a PC catered to the individuality of the gamer but the PC accessories themselves can be customized. From color to RGB lighting, wireless Bluetooth to corded play, and not only that, but many players will also add di erent characters to decorate the inside of what their PC looks like. Not to mention the wide array of gaming keyboards that come in all kinds of clicks and colors.

Customization doesn't

fly only upon the physical makeup of the actual setup; it a ects the actual gaming capabilities. In actual individual games, the players can choose which keybinds are more comfortable with their hand placements, and just like owning a laptop or a desktop, they are able to customize the colors, backgrounds, and organization of the entire PC itself.

A gaming PC is not just going to dominate in the gaming realm with the amount of flexibility, speed rates, over-the-top graphics, and endless possibilities for customization. Still, it is also versatile because the PC can also be used to hold so many other things like research, school work, business work, photography, videos and so on.

The world of gaming is undeniably diverse, and the choice between PC gaming and console gaming, epitomized by the likes of the PlayStation 5, is deeply personal.

The many advantages that PC gaming brings to the table paint a compelling picture for those who seek the best of the best gaming excellence. The adaptability and individuality o ered by PC gaming extend not only to the hardware but also to the very experience of gaming itself.

In the dynamic landscape of gaming, PC gaming stands tall as not just a choice but a comprehensive lifestyle that celebrates the fusion of technology, individuality endless possibilities and endless wins, of course.

BY ALEXZA BAHNMILLER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Women's History Month is the time to show appreciation for women, so I would like to pay homage to one of my favorites - Audrey Hepburn.

Many people know of Hepburn for her role as Holly Golightly in 'Breakfast at Tiffany’s.' The image that pops into most's minds of the actress is of her wearing that iconic black dress donned with long gloves, a pearl necklace and a tiara placed on top of her bun. However, 'Ti any’s' is barely the epitome of Hepburn’s achievements. Beyond the screen, Hepburn lived an inspirational life that she deserves more credit for.

Hepburn was actually born in Belgium in 1929, with the last name Ruston. Shortly before WWII, Hepburn’s parents divorced and she moved with her mother to the Netherlands. During the war, TIME magazine reported that Hepburn and her mom showed evidence of having been involved with the Dutch Resistance. Hepburn utilized her love of dancing to perform at illegal parties, known as “black evenings,” in which windows were blacked out so Germans couldn’t see inside. “I was quite able to perform and it was some way in which I could make some kind of contribution,” she said to TIME. “They were very amateurish attempts, but nevertheless at the time, when there was very little entertainment, it amused people. Afterwards, money was collected and given to the Dutch Underground."

Hepburn was only 11. In a biography written by her son, Luca Dotti, he recalled Hepburn's comments about surviving through WWII. “I went as long as three days without food,” she had said. “We drank a lot of water to make us feel full. My brother, Alex, would go into the fields to find a few turnips, endives, grass, even tulips.” Unfortunately, Hepburn’s brother was caught and forced to work at a German factory in Berlin until he died (“Dutch Girl”). Eventually, people from the UN came to assist, but Hepburn su ered from anemia the rest of her life as a result of starvation.

Hepburn used her art to alleviate her struggle and continued to pursue ballet, which would eventually bring her and her mom to America. But, as described in the biography, “Audrey Hepburn,” Hepburn

struggled to make it as a professional dancer due to her 5 feet 6 inches height. As her dancer dreams began to fade, Colette, a French novelist, spotted Hepburn during a performance. She went on to cast her as Gigi in the stage adaptation of her novel, “Gigi.” From there, Hepburn’s acting career took o . Despite quickly becoming a global movie star, Hepburn prioritized being a mom. According to the documentary “Audrey,” Hepburn struggled with conceiving, su ering through six miscarriages (one occurring after falling o a horse while filming 'Unforgiven'). Eventually, she had two sons and immediately retired to raise them. Dotti said he didn’t even realize his mother was famous until he was 6. “It wasn’t until my dad screened 'Love in the Afternoon.' Suddenly, there was my mother kissing Gary Cooper. I ran to my father and said, ‘Dad, this is serious. You should be upset. Mommy is kissing another man.’ So that explains how much I was aware that my mother could possibly be a movie star. I had no idea.”

When Hepburn entered her 50s, she devoted her life to humanitarianism and became an ambassador for UNICEF. She proceeded to go on more than 50 mission trips to places like Ethiopia, Ecuador, Guatemala, and Sudan and would give interviews about emergency operations as often as 15 times a day. She even testified before the US Congress, took part in the World Summit for Children, launched UNICEF’s State of the World’s Children reports and participated in many benefit tours. Her work earned her the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1992. Her granddaughter, Emma Ferrar, said Hepburn felt a need to work with the organization. “She felt she owed her life to UNICEF and that drove her to help others. She said that we have to stop politicizing our humanity and start humanizing our politics,” (Ferrar told UNICEF). Hepburn was diagnosed with cancer but continued on mission trips until her death at the age of 63.

Hepburn's life is even more interesting than I can fit into a column, but there are many great biographies out there.

To conclude, here are some of my favorite quotes from the wise Hepburn. “Anyone who does not believe in miracles is not a realist,” “The best thing to hold onto in life is each other,” and, “Nothing is more important than empathy for another human being's su ering. Nothing — not a career, not wealth, certainly not status. We have to feel for one another if we're going to survive with dignity.”

C ic S ip

By Lauren Vincent

Games + Fun

Womenʼs History Month Crossword

Across 1. Albert Einstein called this woman “the most significant creative mathematical genius thus w and radioactivity.

10. This mathematician is quoted as saying “it is impossible to be a mathematician without being a poet in soul.”

11. This mathematician submitted mathematical papers under a male name, but was later able to reveal her identity and became the first woman to win a prize from the French Academy of Sciences.

Down 2. This artist drew on her own lifeʼs tragedies and the tradition of Mexican folk art in her paintings, which still captivates viewers today.

3. This activist founded her own newspaper and was the first woman to publicly wear pants in Puerto Rico.

4. This author became the first African-American woman to win the Nobel Prize in literature.

5. This politician was the first African-American woman elected to the US House of Representatives and made an unprecedented bid for the presidency in 1972.

6. This nuclear physicist, who joined the Manhattan Project, designed an experiment that disproved the law of parity.

7. This English woman is now acknlowedged as the worldʼs first computer programmer.

8. This woman, born in Alexandria, Egypt circa 350, was an astronomer, philosopher and the first woman to make a substantial contribution to the development of mathematics.